From PSI to US' Republicans, Here Are 5 Political Parties Using Elephant as Symbol

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The Indonesian Solidarity Party, or PSI changed its party symbol from a rose to a red-headed elephant at its inaugural congress held in Solo, Central Java, on Saturday to Sunday, July 19-20, 2025. The General Chair of PSI, Kaesang Pangarep, said that the elephant is a symbol of strength, intelligence, steadfastness, and solidarity.

In Javanese culture, Kaesang said, the elephant also symbolizes great strength, a calm and authoritative demeanor. Despite its slow pace, the elephant's steady steps are unwavering. Therefore, the youngest son of former President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi, hopes that the good qualities of the elephant will be deeply rooted in every PSI cadre.

PSI is not the only political party that uses the elephant as its symbol. Several parties around the world also use the elephant as their symbol. Which parties are they?

1. Republican Party (United States)

The elephant is the traditional and most famous symbol of the Republican Party, a political party founded on March 20, 1854, and currently in power in the United States. Popularized by cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1870s, the elephanteventually became the official emblem of the party.

As quoted from Ourwhitehouse.org, the initial connection between the elephant and the Republican Party was an illustration in President Abraham Lincoln's 1864 campaign newspaper, Father Abraham. The illustration depicted an elephant holding a banner and celebrating Union victory. During the Civil War, "seeing the elephant" was a slang term for engaging in combat, making the elephant a logical choice to represent successful battle.

However, the official use of the elephant as the symbol for the Republican Party was popularized by Nast. He drew the elephant in his cartoon published in Harper's Weekly in 1874. The cartoon strengthened the recognition of the elephant as the party's symbol, especially in relation to political issues such as the highly unpopular speculation of a president serving three terms at the time.

2. Bahujan Samaj Party (India)

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) uses the elephant as its symbol. As quoted from the BSP website, this party was founded by Kanshi Ram in 1984 to represent the country's majority. The elephant was chosen because it symbolizes strength and unity for the oppressed community.

This progressive political party in India also uses a blue flag with an elephant emblem to symbolize peace, equality, and justice. These principles are at the core of the party's ideology and goals. BSP's main base is in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

3. United National Party (Sri Lanka)

The United National Party (UNP) is a political party in Sri Lanka, currently led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. As quoted from the UNP website, the party, established in 1946, is known as a center-right party that favors a neoliberal, market-oriented economy.

The UNP uses an image of a standing elephant with dominant green color as the party's logo. The elephant was chosen because it symbolizes the strength and vastness of the people represented by this party.

4. People's Empowerment Party (Kenya)

As quoted from the People's Empowerment Party (PEP) website, this party is a combination of various ideologies from capitalist and socialist backgrounds for the maximum benefit of the people of Kenya. PEP is a registered political party with a certificate issued on May 8, 2017.

The party with the elephant symbol is inspired by various political parties around the world, emphasizing fair national resource distribution and participative governance.

Septia Ryanthie contributed to the writing of this article.

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